Kyle Jamieson has answered an SOS from coach Gary Stead to join the Blackcaps squad in India to help ease their growing injury concerns.
Jamieson will provide cover for fellow paceman Matt Henry, who limped off early in New Zealand's heavy defeat to South Africa in Pune on Wednesday.
Henry is awaiting the results of a scan on his right hamstring, while bowler Lockie Ferguson is also recovering from an achilles injury.
If Ferguson were to remain unavailable this weekend, Jamieson would likely slot into the starting XI for their penultimate group match against Pakistan on Saturday, which shapes as critical to their semi-final cause.
Amid a three-match losing streak after their fast start to the tournament, the Blackcaps need to win at least one of their final two games against Pakistan and Sri Lanka to clinch a place in the final four.
"The severity of Matt's injury, combined with a short turnaround to Pakistan, meant we couldn't risk being a bowler down for Saturday," Stead said.
"Matt's been a world class performer for us in ODI cricket for the past two World Cup cycles so we've got our fingers crossed for the scan results later today."
Jamieson was with the squad earlier in the tournament as cover for Tim Southee, who's since recovered from his broken thumb.
"He'll likely train with us on Friday with a mind to being available for Saturday's game.
"Kyle was able to train for two full weeks with us earlier in the tournament and has since played a Plunket Shield match - so we're confident he'll be able to hit the ground running."
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